BAE Systems turns drones, phones and race cars into batteries

British defence firm BAE Systems has developed a battery technology that stores
electrical charge within the physical structure of the gadget
itself.

These so-called structural batteries can work with anything that
requires electricity, from phones to vehicles. As it reduces the
device's size and weight it could help lighten the load of
soldiers' rucksacks.

BAE engineers merged nickel-based battery chemistries into
composite materials, before moulding the combo into complex 3D
shapes. This formed the structure of a device, and has been
demonstrated in a rudimentary torch and a small unmanned air vehicle.

According to BAE, the device could then be plugged in when it
needed recharging, or it could utilise renewable power sources like
solar energy.

The Ministry of Defence is understood to have shown an interest
in British troops using the batteries, says the Press Association. But the possible uses extends
beyond the battlefield.

"It can not only support our soldiers on the frontline, but also
revolutionise technology in the consumer market by allowing more
efficient, elegant and lighter designs," explains Alex Parfitt,
capability technology leader for materials at BAE.

Right now the structural batteries use nickel-based chemicals
because they are widely used in the military. But future
developments will allow integration of Li-ion and Li-Polymer, which
are found in mobile
phones, MP3 players, laptops, tablets and the like.

Plus, BAE has also applied the technology through a partnership
with race car manufacturer Lola. The Lola-Drayson
B12/69EV -- a zero emission 850 horsepower Le Mans Prototype
car -- will incorporate structural batteries to power some of the
on-board electronic systems.